Theraposture, a specialist in assistive furniture, has begun a campaign to protect vulnerable consumers from misleading pricing and high-pressure sales techniques when purchasing adjustable beds.

The company’s latest educational campaign aims to help consumers avoid the many price-related pitfalls associated with purchasing adjustable beds from unethical suppliers.

Believing that accurate guide prices should be given up front, even for bespoke items, Theraposture is encouraging clear pricing across the industry.

“Countless vulnerable individuals across the UK are being taken advantage of by unprincipled companies primarily focused on profit. All unethical sales techniques need to be irradiated so that the well-being, independence and safety of customers are protected,” the company stated.

Many direct sellers employ inappropriate techniques, such as unclear, misleading or artificially lowered prices, to maximise profit with little consideration of a person’s mobility needs.

A commission-based salesman then delivers a high-pressured sales pitch determined to sell products in an opportunistic way, often at unrealistically high prices.

The company says the lack of genuine price transparency on the telephone, internet or within ads and literature has given “unscrupulous salesmen” the opportunity to manipulate figures to their advantage, resulting in a poor deal for consumers.

Even when inflated costs are communicated during a home visit, particular rogue traders will use a technique called ‘price conditioning’ which involves the trick of ‘phoning their boss’ to achieve a ‘that day only deal’.

In addition, advertised prices may hide extras and not include reliable warranties or caring after sales support. Ambiguous refund and return policies are also common, especially if a product is deemed ‘bespoke’.

Liam Braddell, Theraposture Sales Director, commented: “As demonstrated by recent examples on the BBC Watchdog TV programme, the way many suppliers sell adjustable beds and chairs needs to change. Many vulnerable end users, who live with mobility and health challenges, continue to be specifically targeted by product suppliers simply to maximise profit.

“Polished, high pressure salesmen continue to gain entry to peoples’ homes with a view to selling products at the highest possible price through dishonesty and deceit.

“Choice and control needs to be given back to the consumer.”

Liam added that Theraposture’s fair selling campaign aims to make consumers aware of the many pitfalls of buying an assistive bed or rise and recline chair.

“Without question we believe fair and appropriate selling must never waiver – that is why we adhere to the Trading Standards Institute approved BHTA Code of Practice.

“We have introduced a simple guide to risk-free purchasing which is now available on our website so consumers can avoid the many dangers associated with direct selling companies.

“We do hope our latest educational initiative changes market culture and re-educates society so that elderly and disabled people are not victimised anymore.”

Established in 1981, Theraposture is a manufacturer of adjustable beds, chairs and care cots. The company is also a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) and adheres to its Trading Standards approved Code of Practice.

Theraposture’s guide to risk-free purchasing of adjustable beds and chairs can be found HERE

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